Mourning in Nepal over Kabul attack

Kathmandu, July 8 (IANS) There was mourning Tuesday in Nepal over the terrorist attack at the Indian embassy in Kabul, especially as one of the slain Indian officials had served in Kathmandu. Press counsellor V. Venkateshwara Rao, who was among the four Indians killed in Monday’s blast, had headed the political affairs section at the Indian embassy here from November 2000 to July 2003.

He and his wife Malathi, who had worked in the Kendriya Vidyalaya in Kathmandu, were popular for their warm, outgoing nature.

Malathi, remembered as charming and vivacious, won hearts with her speech in Nepali delivered at a ladies’ meeting on the eve of their departure from Kathmandu.

The Indian embassy in Kathmandu called a condolence meeting Wednesday, saying a book would be opened for those who wished to convey condolences.